Notes from ADEC and Nirvana

So, last week, I got an email with reference to being in Group 1 and the Orientation schedule. I am super excited about being in Group 1. This will allow me to arrive in Abu Dhabi between August 8-11 and settle in the hotel before official Orientation begins, apartment keys distributed, police and medical checks, and school assignments. While I understand there is no guarantee that the orientation schedule is set in stone, I am thankful that there is a "schedule" to follow. Information that I have been getting from teachers already in Abu Dhabi is that schedules are merely a suggestion and there is no "rat race" to compete in. Things get done when they get done. I am quite ready for this type of lifestyle.

In the meantime, I have been doing final shopping which included toiletries, shoes and swimsuits. I have spent time with mom, Nancy, Jill, Hannah, Ashley and Terry. I have tried to stay busy and not anticipate or guess when I will receive the itinerary and eticket.

And now for today, emails have begun to go out with itineraries for teachers and families headed to Abu Dhabi. And I wait! And wait! And wait! Then an email comes that says confirm the date and airport of departure and the information on the work visa. I get excited! After all this time, almost 2 years, I will now know when I will leave. The work visa is correct. My name, birthdate and passport number is correct. BUT, there is no itinerary with a departure date or airport. So the waiting continues. I email Nirvana confirming the work visa but explain there is not information regarding the departure. Maybe I will learn tomorrow when I will be leaving.

Once again, the Lord is teaching me patience. I thought I had learned this throughout this process but I guess He is just double checking to make sure I got the lesson. I got it!!!!! My patience is much more prevalent now than when I stareted this process.

Notes from Nirvana

This morning, I took Dad out to the Fountain's house so that he can begin his journey to Montana with Stanley. Jenny was coming over to swim so I decided I would lay down on the couch and go back to sleep. Well, the email notification on my iPhone went off and I checked it. It was the first of three emails I recieved from Nirvana, the travel company that is handling the flights and itinerary for traveling to Abu Dhabi, UAE. At this point, I could not go back to sleep. The excitement began along with thinking of all the things I needed to do, buy and pack for this adventure. So, how did I spend the day???? Sitting by the pool and soaking up the sun. I will handle the rest later!!!!

Going Away Reception at Church

Wow!!! What an amazing day! My mother is incredible. She decorated the church fellowship hall in, of course, my favorite color, purple. She arranged all the flowers that were used and is my favorite "Wonder Woman!" She can do anything.

It was great talking with all those that came to share in my joy. Thanks for all the encouraging words left by all those that came by. I will be reading them as I travel and when I begin my life in the UAE.

The other incredible part of the reception at the church was the opportunity for Aunt Nancy, Uncle Thomas, Jill, Hannah, Ashley and Terry to spend the weekend with us. We had the best time from playing with the kids, shoe shopping, playing Farkle, icing brownies, fixing cheesecake stuffed strawberries, sleeping in the RV or eating icing out of the piping bag!!! We had a blast.

Yep, that's Jill! Loving that cream cheese icing!!!

My parents, Clara and Randy, are the BEST!!!!!

Nancy and Stanley Fountain, my other parents!!

Jeff Carrier, my youth minister during middle and high school.

We went on a mission trip 22 years ago to Haiti! Talk about life changing!

Fred and Carol Skinner

Uncle Thomas and Aunt Nancy

Jill, Ashley, Hannah, Terry

The whole gang! We had a blast this weekend!!